Downing Appointed Honorary Chair of Mass College Democrats

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Senator Benjamin B. Downing
BOSTON — The College Democrats of Massachusetts have appointed state Senator Benjamin B. Downing, D- Pittsfield as Honorary Chairman.

The College Democrats of Massachusetts are the official college outreach wing of the Massachusetts Democratic Party and a branch of the College Democrats of America. Their goal is to advocate for college students living in Massachusetts and for pro-student policies and legislation in the Commonwealth. The College Democrats of Massachusetts are committed to electing strong, progressive democrats to office across the state. Twenty active chapters operate statewide.

Downing, a Pittsfield native and alumni of Providence College and Tufts University’s Department of Urban and Environment Policy and Planning, is serving his second term as senator from the Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District. Downing plays an active role in the Massachusetts Democratic Party, focusing on increased youth participation as the co-chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Youth Services Committee.

"We appointed Senator Downing to our Honorary Chair position because of the advocacy, integrity and humility he has shown in office,” said President Pat Johnson. "Ben Downing is someone we all want to emulate as young people in politics, and because of the values he holds we find it fitting that he fills this seat which was for many years held by the late U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy."

"Being appointed to a role previously filled by Senator Kennedy is an extreme honor,” said Downing. "The College Democrats of Massachusetts play a vital role in getting young voters active in politics. It is never too early to start advocating for what you believe in, and for this reason I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair and help this organization fulfill its stated mission."

The College Democrats of Massachusetts is now planning its 2010 Convention, to be held April 9-11th at Smith College in Northampton. Visit www.macollegedems.org for more details.
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Mill Town Foundation and Pittsfield Public Schools Announce Core Impact Awards

PITTSFIELD, Mass — Mill Town Foundation, in partnership with Pittsfield Public Schools and with support from the Feigenbaum Foundation, has announced the inaugural Core Impact Awards.
 
The Core Impact Awards will recognize educators and school staff members in the Pittsfield Public School District who have demonstrated a significant impact on student learning, innovation in education, and community engagement.
 
The awards will honor one full-time teacher or staff member from each of the 14 schools in the Pittsfield Public School District.
 
The nomination period will close March 21, 2025. Nominations can be submitted by community members, students, parents, and colleagues using a nomination form.
 
An independent Selection Committee of community members will review the nominations. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Student Impact: Evidence of inspiring or improving student outcomes.
  • Innovation in Teaching: Creative teaching approaches and technology integration.
  • Community Contributions: Engagement with the school and broader community.
  • Nomination Quality: Thoughtfulness and depth of the nomination.
The Core Impact Award recipients will be announced in April 2025 and honored at an award ceremony in late May. Honorees will receive a recognition package.
 
More information on the Core Impact Awards, including how to submit a nomination, can be found at www.milltownfoundation.org.
 
 
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